Each piece is tailored specifically for the client. “The word ‘haute’ means high, in the sense of high class. “Couture” refers primarily to designers or couturiers and dressmaking that’s made to order.”
For example, above, you see dresses for the Spring of 1948 designed by Christian Dior. The pink one was a new revolutionary “Look” geared to the active life of the day. A little different from what I call active, but what do I know, right? I am just writing a post.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Website? http://www.philamuseum.org
This particular exhibit is called Fabulous Fashions and will be there until March 3rd. From the Delaware Beaches it is about 2 1/2 hours and an easy trip to say the least. Grab a friend and go. That’s what I did. Cindi and I had the best time. Not overly scheduled, just enjoying a winter day in the city.
The starting price for haute couture is $30,000. Long hours of work can hike that price, as will also the embellishments chosen.
For example the photo above shown at the exhibit is called “Sea Fan Fantasy”. Designed by Tina Leser, and American designer for Edwin H. Foreman, Inc. It was hand-painted and spray-painted cellulose acetate plain weave with metallic sequins. Ms. Leser was from Philadelphia and liked to incorporate exotic elements from her travels. This was gown was indicative of the fashion trends of 1947.
Fashion trends keep changing. But what goes around comes around. When I looked at the above fashions I can see them being worn in 2019. On the first photo, the dress with the horizontal stripes was originally designed in 1952 and later on reinterpreted in 2013. In 2013 Francisco Costa, creative director for Calvin Kline and designer Ellsworth Kelly, modernized the look a bit. The original dress was longer and had a light blue band on the bottom.
Anne Fogarty was the designer for the above pictured dress. She started out as a model and was from Pennsylvania. She became well-known for full skirted designs with fitted bodices. She was inspired by Dior. This dress was her own and was so tiny that the Museum needed to make a special manequin.
The evening dress on the left was designed by Ives Saint Laurent for his Fall/Winter 10th collection 1966-67. He was 30 years old and the dress was meant to speak for the moment…”here today, gone tomorrow, young, amused”.
The gold dress on the right, I had never heard of the American designer Vicky Tiel. This dress was designed in 1989. Her signature style was the draping and construction for the glorification of the female body. Her favorite was a low, strapless neckline. She is still active in Paris.
The accessories that make or break a design…texture, color, and design.
The shoes date from 1991 and the purse circa 1955-65.
Major designers also design hats. Here are some from Balenciaga, Givenchy, Nan Duskin, Stephen Jones.
Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, was from Philadelphia. Her dress is a classic and was designed by Helen Rose who was an American costume designer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The dress was donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is very delicate now and they don’t really bring it out much. But the next photo will show her headpiece made also by Helen Rose, the shoes designed by David Evins, an American, born in England, with a copper penny encased in the right shoe for good luck, and a Bride’s Manual decorated by the wardrobe department of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This was a gift to her from a family friend from Chestnut Hill. She also carried a small bouquet of lillies of the valley.
We took a tour and I recomment it very much. Maybe you should call for the tour hours as they are not offered on an hourly basis. Then, you may want to have something to eat there as well. That is another post in the making.
Until then…check my Facebook Page AboutMyBeaches. Would love it if you decide to Like it.
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Meatless Monday is a trend. In reality you can do this any day of the week. One day or more than one. But it is catchy to say “Meatless Monday”. Leaving the meat behind and for one day enjoy the many dishes that usually revolve around meats.
I have roots in Baltimore. My husband was from Baltimore. My sister in law lives there. I worked in Baltimore for years before moving to the Delaware Beaches. Way before I started this blog too. Baltimore is a city of many firsts. Museums, churches, hospitals, neighborhoods. Many times it gets bad reviews but I really enjoyed my time there.
Private Collections: A Culinary Treasure is a cookbook that contains timeless recipes put out by the Women’s Committee of the Walters Art Gallery, a one of a kind museum located in Baltimore. Beautiful art treasures are displayed in its pages, along with amazing recipes from soups to nuts.
I have posted this recipe before, but just in case you missed it, here it is again. It is a different type of onion soup but the combination of ingredients makes it a winner.
ONION SOUP CHABLIS
1 lb. white onions, sliced very thin
1/4 lb. butter
2 cups chicken broth (your choice of unsalted or salted, or even a mixture of both)
1 cup Chablis
1 tsp. salt
pepper
2 cups medium cream (half and half will do too)
Swiss cheese, freshly grated
In a large soup pot saute the onions in butter until soft and transparent but not brown. Add chicken broth and simmer until the mixture is reduced somewhat. To tell you the truth, I skipped that step.
Add the Chablis, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 minutes.
Stir in cream, heat, not boil, and serve.
Garnish with plenty of cheese. The marriage of flavors is awesome!! You’ll see. Enjoy!
Serves 6.
Remember that with any recipe you can always make it your own.
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Finally the sun has come out. Buds are on the trees, weeping willows are getting greener. Some signs and hints that Spring is around the corner. Well, you know, we had a few nor’easters to take care of but, hopefully, we should almost be finished with winter.
My young second cousin, Natalia, stayed with me for some time after the devastation of two hurricanes in Puerto Rico. Right before she lef Southern Delaware the weather in Southern Delaware was gray and miserable, so I took her to Longwood Gardens. Their Orchid Extravaganza is going on and it is gorgeous. If you get a chance, it is there until March 25th. The address is 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, PAQ 19348.
When you think about it, it is very accessible, only a couple of hours away. You can spend the day. The area offers so much, plus a little bit of a change of scenery.
Flowers have a positive effect on humans. I try to fill my vases with flowers as much as I can. When I see them I have a different disposition altogether. Longwood Gardens open year round. Please check their website, https://www.longwoodgardens.org
It is that time of the year, so if you are ready to get into the spirit of Easter, make a visit to these beautiful gardens.
Discover your own backyard. Have a great day!
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Discovering Reykjavik was a highlight of this summer of 2015. Was not even in my bucket list. That was even better. So surprising to find myself on my way to Iceland. Make sure you take a waterproof jacket because the Icelandic weather is very unpredictable.
The capital city of Reykjavik is so easy to maneuver. You will learn it in not time. You can bike, jog, or stroll. Some years ago Iceland was in financial trouble. They have been recuperating quickly and there is plenty of new buildings going up in this quite modern city.
The Sun Voyayer is a sculpture of a Viking ship located by the ocean on a small peninsula close to the Reykjavik center. It symbolises the Viking past of the Icelanders and an ode to the sun.
The Harpa is at the edge of the Reykjavik Harbour. It is Iceland’s biggest concert hall. It is also used for other cultural events, as well. It opened in 2011. If you get a chance please visit and view the 360 degree Cinematic Experience. That stranger on my photo…no idea who he was.
The Old Harbor. It is the first lasting harbor in Reykjavik. You can find shops and galleries on the eastern pier. Whale watching tours will be leaving for this harbor, as well.
The Einar Jonsson Museum located at Eiriksgata and Freyjugata. Website? http://www.lej.is
Einar Jonsson was Iceland’s first sculptor. His home is part of the museum and is preserved in its original condition. No photos inside were allowed. The museum has about 300 art works spanning a 60 year career. The garden outdoors has about 26 bronze casts. This location is the highest point in Reykjavik.
He drew inspiration from the Icelandic folklore heritage for “Outlaws”. He also used mythological and religious motifs.
I have more to tell you but for now I think this is enough. Maybe some Fish & Chips on the next post from Iceland.
NOTE: From September 24th until October 4th the Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) will be taking place. It will be showing a wide range of dramas and non-fiction films from over 40 countries and is becomming bigger and bigger every year. Please visit http://www.iceland.is.
Talk to you later…Have a good one.
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Miles of beach, up and down the Delaware Coast, the surfmen were the keepers of our shores. They patrolled the desolate and dangerous beaches, looking for shipwrecks and warning vessels of the imminent dangers along the coastline.
The years were 1876 – 1915.
The Indian River Life Saving Station is located south of Dewey Beach, Delaware, and a mile north of the Indian River Inlet.
Built in 1876, it is the only station in Delaware still standing in its original location.
The U.S. Flag flew over the station and this particular flag has 38 stars and was the official Flag of the U.S. from 1877 – 1890.
Today is Flag Day, dedicated to celebrating the adoption of the American Flag by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
The Indian River Lifesaving Station has many fun and educational programs throughout the year. When visiting us, here, in Southern Delaware, it is definitely a must stop. More info? Please visit http://www.destateparks.org.
Have a great day!!
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“The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach-waiting for a gift from the sea.” anne morrow lindbegh
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware is a vibrant community, offering its visitors and residents gorgeous beaches, an award-winning Boardwalk, where plenty of memories are made each year. It is a foodies destination…from the Boardwalk grub to restaurants whose unique chefs are bringing us more innovative cooking than ever before. Downtown Rehoboth Beach is one square mile….tax free shopping, theatre, and low property taxes. It is also known as The Nation’s Summer Capital.
Living at the beach…I love it and do not take it for granted. Rehoboth Beach has evolved over the years. If you love vacationing here…stop by the Rehoboth Beach Museum, which is also the home of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. Its mission is to preserve and showcase artifacts that illustrate the development of this coastal beach town.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue near the traffic Circle and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Tel. 302-227-7310 Website? http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
WHAT’S GOING ON?
Sunday, April 19th – Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to join the Rehoboth Beach Museum from 2 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. to learn about Sea Folklore and create a friendly sea creature out of inexpensive materials. Please call 302-227-7310 to save a spot for your little seafarer.
Saturday, May 2nd – My Doll and Me Tea party for girls 6-12 years of age. Young ladies are invited for an afternoon to share with others their favorite dolls on Saturday, May 2nd, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Ice tea, lemonade and sweet treats will be served.
Girls will play and learn old-fashioned games such as hop scotch, marbles, cat’s cradle and hula hoop. Each girl will be invited to tell a special story about her doll. Girls are encouraged to dress up and to dress their dolls in their best outfits.
The cost of the tea party is $10 and includes admission to the museum, refreshments and games. The event is limited to 15 girls with one doll each. Please call 302-227-7310 to make a reservation. I was one of those girls that played with dolls all the time. I loved them. Here is my own Brownie Doll, circa….I don’t remember.
I had the opportunity to help out on one of the tea parties…so much fun!!
Thursday, May 7th – Join the Rehoboth Beach Museum for an evening of great memories at 7 p.m.. They will be pulling some photos out of their collection, featuring folks who are not identified. Help them identify who is on those photos. Bring along a few of your own and get help finding out just who is featured in your family pictures. Reservations are required. Please call 302-227-7310.
Saturday, May 23rd – Opening of the new exhibit that celebrates who made Rehoboth Beach great!! 11 a.m.
Check this out!!! The Rehoboth Beach Museum has partnered with Discover Bank and the local Boy and Girls Club to help build futures one Lego piece at a time. Dicscover Bank provided funds so that Rehoboth Beach local, Lydia Hastings, graduate of the University of Maryland Civil Engineering program, could create a great environment for future engineers to learn about Lego NXT Mindstorm Robotics. The Museum seeks to link the kinds of engineering tasks that it took to cut, move and store ice in the old ice house, which the museum now occupies, with today’s engineering tasks completed by robot.
Recently, Lydia held a Lego Robotics course at the Boys and Girls Club of America Epworth United Methodist Church location, and it was a resounding success. The first class learned about the different Lego robotic sensors and even how to program their robots to accomplish different tasks. They had a ton of fun!! Next one will be in May….stay tuned.
Hope you have a great week-end TGIF!! At the Beach? Hope so.
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Always look forward to visiting churches on my travels. Not necessarily on a time when religious services are taking place. I like them when they are totally quiet. For me is a time for reflection; to pray for my family and friends. I usually stop at churches of all denominations, even though I am Catholic. I thank for our religious freedom. Historic churches and chapels…I am in awe of their beauty and of their strength.
Here are some of my favorite churches and the list is getting longer.
NEW YORK
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a New York Landmark. In 1785 there were only 200 Catholics and one priest in New York City. The doors opened in 1879. The newspapers hailed the New Cathedral as “the noblest temple ever raised in any land to the memory of Saint Patrick, and as the glory to Catholic America”. When I have visited New York with my friend, Shelley, who is Jewish…she always makes a point to stop at St. Patrick’s. So beautiful.
St. Paul’s Chapel was built in 1766. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan. It survived the Great Fire of 1776 and the attacks on 9/11. George Washington prayed here after his inauguration in 1789. It is located at 209 Broadway, between Fulton St. and Vesey St. Still standing against all odds, this church has been a place not only for spiritual healing but for physical refuge, as well.
PUERTO RICO
I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico. When you see my posts from there is because that’s where my formative years took place. Old San Juan is the Capital and it is over 500 years old. La Catedral de San Juan is formally known as the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, named after the Puerto Rican Patron Saint, San Juan Bautista or Saint John the Baptist. It is located on Cristo St. between Luna St. and San Francisco St. It was built in 1540 and it is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. The Cathedral contains the tomb of Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. And, the mummified remains of Roman Christian Martyr, Saint Pio.
Capilla del Cristo or Christ’s Chapel is located at the end of Calle del Cristo, which is also where the Cathedral is located. The Chapel was built to commemorate a miracle. Local lore has it that as a young man lost control of his horse and galloped down Calle del Cristo over the cliff at the end of the road, he prayed to a Catholic saint and his prayers were answered.
Parroquia San Francisco de Asis is located at San Francisco Street #301 in Old San Juan. The Crypt – As in old colonial churches, the remains of Christians were buried in catacombs. This can also be seen at the entrance of the Parish. They are called catacombs similar to the Roman catacombs but they are crypts. In the crypt are the remains of personalities of Puerto Rico. They are considered of important historical heritage.
Iglesia Dulce Nombre de Jesus is located in the town plaza of Humacao. This is where I grew up. It is on the eastern side of the island. I went to primary school at Academia San Jose which was across the street. My family went to church here, my parents were married in this church, and I also made my First Communion there. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally, it was a single structure built in 1769. A second church was built from 1825-1826. The present church was built in 1868-1877. It was designed by Don Evaristo de Churruca in the Gothic Revival style. Further renovations have taken place since then.
Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Carmen is located at 33 Marina, in Punta Santiago near my hometown, Humacao. Punta Santiago is a fishing village. Nuestra Senora del Carmen is the patron saint of Fishermen. The official Feast Day is July 16th. I have fond memories of this church. It is always kept in pristine condition. My late husband, John, and I got married here. We chose this church because it was on the beach and it really is pretty, small and cozy. It was the second wedding….first one in Orlean, Virginia and then this one in 2 complete different years. One was not enough!!
SHOWELL, MARYLAND, EASTERN SHORE
Saint Martin’s Historic Church and the importance of historic preservation. For so many years it stood neglected, just waiting for those who would take over the mission of its restoration. It is considered by many historians “to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore”. It is an Architectural gem, built in 1756, and a museum located at 11413 Worcester Highway in Showell, Maryland. For more info., please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurg.org.
LEWES, DELAWARE
St. Peter’s Church is located at 2nd & Market Streets in Historic Lewes, Delaware. Lewes is the First Town in the First State. Since 1680 this church has served this community. The early settlers who were members of the Church of England formed its first congregation. The graveyard which surrounds the Church has stones dating back to 1707. Stop by while strolling Lewes.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
The Baltimore Basilica’s is America’s First Cathedral. I have a deep connection to Baltimore. My late husband was from Baltimore and many years ago, I lived and worked in Baltimore. Love the City. The Basilica’s construction started in 1806. George Weigel, the biographer for Pope John Paul II said “No other Catholic edifice in America can claim to have seen so much history inside its walls”. At least 15 saints or potential saints have prayed in this Basilica. The Crypt inside the Basilica holds the tombs of Archbishop John Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States of America, Archbishop Martin John Spalding, and James Cardinal Gibbons.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia has 4 Catholic shrines: St John Neumann, St. Katherine Drexel, Miraculous Medal and St. Rita of Cascia. Philadelphia is considered a city where the foundations for our right to freedom and religion were laid. The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is located at 1166 S. Broad St. and it was built in 1907. I came to know it during my stay in Philadelphia the summer of 2013.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
St. Michael’s Catholic Church is located at 71 Broad St. in Historic Charleston. A National Historic Landmark. Pewes are made of native cedar and remain the same as they have always been. The altar is Victorian. The chancel rail is made of wrought iron. It dates to 1772. George Washington worshipped at Governor’s Pew #43. This church is gorgeous and the docent was so amazingly inspiring.
St. Philip’s Protestan Episcopal Church is located at 142 Church St. in Historic Charleston. The original building was completed in 1724, destroyed by fire in 1835 and finished the rebuilding in 1838. Porticos and columns remind visitors of Roman porticos. This church is also a National Historic Landmark and has the tallest steeple in Historic Charleston. The docent was so nice and proud of her church.
I am looking forward to this list getting longer. These churches welcome us all. Many of them are so simple. Some are architectural wonders. You don’t really have to look for them, some times they find you.
Another magical Sunday….but waiting for summer is what I am doing.
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The Edmondston-Alston House was the first house museum we visited in rainy Historic Charleston the last week of February. It is called Edmondston-Alston because Edmondston was the first owner who built this beautiful home in East Battery. He was a successful merchant. Financial depressions got the best of him and he had to sell….the new buyer was Alston, who was a member of one of the wealthiest rice-planting families in South Carolina. The house is very open and, definitely worth seeing. This house museum is administered by the Middleton Place Foundation who also owns and operates the Gardens, House and Plantation Stableyards at Middleton Place.
In the back of the Edmondston-Alston House there is a privately-owned luxury bed and breakfast. These were the servants’ quarters. Guests of 21 East Battery Bed and Breakfast enjoy a complimentary tour of the Edmondston-Alston House museum. For more information, please visit http://www.21eastbattery.com. Tel. 843-556-0500
Historic Charleston is full of antique wrought iron. There are accents pieces and intriguing openings.
My cousin, Maru, her husband, and I were standing at the Concierge Desk talking to our favorite concierge, Carrie. She loved us because we did what she told us to do. So, now we were telling her we wanted to visit Middleton Place. This plantation has the oldest landscaped gardens in America…plus there was the connection to the Edmondston-Alston House, which we had earlier in the week visited. How could you visit Charleston and not go to a plantation?
We told Carrie that we did not want to go in a bus full of people. We were tourists but we would only go so far. We wanted a private guide. No hesitation, Ian Sanchez, would be the one. Carrie went on and on about how good of a guide he was and how good looking….OMG she said “You are going to love him”. During this conversation, Maru’s husband was like….”I don’t care if he is good looking.” Maru and I were like…We do! He was quickly outnumbered. We even had to wait an extra day to go with Good Looking Guide Ian. We hoped he was worth the wait…and not like the coconut cake; they told us so much how good the coconut cake was that once we tried it, was not a big deal…it was okay, though.
We finally met with Ian Sanchez….he was good looking but not drop dead gorgeous as we were expecting. He spoke Spanish. I believe one of the parents was from the Dominican Republic and the other from one of the islands. Needless to say…Latin looks and southern charm work every time; we liked that! And so we took off with him. He was a really good guide. He took his time in explaining Charleston and its history, knowledgeable, very friendly and easy to understand.
To escape the summer’s heat, the wealthy left their stately homes in Charleston and retreated to their plantation houses. These plantations had formal gardens backed by rivers and woodlands.
Middleton Place is located at 4300 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC 29414. Tel. 843-556-6020 Website? http://www.middletonplace.org. Please visit the website for events happening at Middleton Place. We arrived late in the afternoon, so one of our first stops was to tour the only building that is still in operation as a museum. There were 3 residences at one time. The original residence was circa 1705 and the north flanker was circa 1755…these were burned by Union troops in 1865, and then leveled by the 1886 earthquake. The house museum was a gentlemen’s guest wing in 1755. It contains family furniture, silver, paintings, china, books and documents.
I think you should give yourselves more than a few hours to tour the plantation….there is much to see and much to learn.
Eliza’s House dates to 1870 and its 2 family vernacular dwelling provides information regarding the conditions of the African American community at Middleton Place before and after the Civil War.
We stopped at the Blacksmith Shop, where iron was being heated, forged and shaped. Middleton Place had both, free and enslaved workers performing different tasks.
Carpentry and Coopering …building and repairing, the coopers made barrels for storage and shipment of rice.
Free range…animals were mingling with the guests.
The Spring House and Plantation Chapel were beautiful. On the lower level, the spring waters provided the perfect place to store dairy and other foods. The upper floor was, apparently, added in 1851 and was used as a chapel for the Middletons’ slaves until the Civil War.
The Mill…It was before the Civil War that the mill was built. Built both as a garden folly and for practical use.
The gardens have rational order, geometry, symmetry, balance, vistas, focal points and surprises.
After the Civil War and the Earthquake of 1886 these gardens were overgrown and neglected. Early in the 20th century restoration began and in 1941 the Garden Club of America gave its highest award by recognizing them as “the most interesting and important gardens in America”.
It is a little unkempt, and a little wild, when looking at the rest of the formal gardens…family tomb and burial sites. The last resting place of generations of the Middleton family…the garden called Bosquet and Tomb.
Notes: Ian Sanchez can be contacted by calling 843-276-4601. You may also email him at iansanchez4@gmail.com. Do you prefer your tour in English, or Spanish? You pick because he can do both. His pledge: “Guaranteed phenomenal tour every time or you don’t pay!!
Information for this post was taken from Middleton Place tour guide info.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
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